Smoky Mountain Vacations
Attractions - Lodging - Theaters - Vacation Packages
GATLINBURG - PIGEON FORGE - SMOKY MOUNTAINS - BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Lodging in the Smokies

Staying in the smoky mountains is an experience in itself. Park visitors can choose a rustic log cabin with all the conveniences of home from hot tubs to pool tables and beautiful views of the smoky mountains. Luxury hotels can be found along the parkway of Pigeon Forge and the main highway going through Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Many hotels have converted rooms to full vacation suites with kitchens, fireplaces and the works. All this just next door to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Smoky Mountain hotels, condos, or smoky mountain cabins are convenient and affordable.

Activities and Programs   

You can enjoy many activities throughout the entire year in the smoky mountains. Horseback riding, hiking, white water rafting, fishing, snow skiing, or just plain old relaxing. The great smoky mountains natural history association operates the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Open year-round, this environmental education center hosts conferences, workshops, and other educational programs. The center is open to individuals or groups and is convenient from your smoky mountain  hotel or cabin. For information call- 865-448-6709.

Bicycling

Roads in the park tend to be steep and narrow so safe biking areas are rather limited. Bicycles are prohibited on trails. However, Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley offer a great place to bike safely. The 11 mile loop at Cades Cove is closed to automobile traffic on Saturdays till 10 am from spring through mid-Sept. Bikes can be rented at the Cades Cove Campground store. Cades Cove is a beautiful 25 minute drive from most smoky mountain hotels or cabins.

Camping

Park campgrounds offer 1,000 developed campsites, in addition to 100 primitive sites. For more information see the campground section of our vacation guide. We have information on most smoky mountain campgrounds in the smoky mountain region including the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Fishing

Fishing in the smokies can be relaxing and very successful. Popular fishing streams can be found at Abram's creek below cades cove, Big Creek near I-40 at the park's north eastern end, and Little River near Elkmont campground. Fishing is allowed in the park from sunrise to sunset. A valid fishing license is required. Pick up a copy of fishing regulations at the visitors centers.

Hiking

The smoky mountains were made for walking. Winding trails through deep forests along rushing streams make the smokies a great place to get out and just take a walk. For more information on hiking check out our hiking section of the vacation guide. Trails are nearby most rental cabins and hotels.

Guided Tours

Several tour companies are available for seeing the park. Smoky Mountain Tours offers bus tours through the park ( 800-962-0448). You can also contact Mountain Tours (865-453-0864). Smoky Mountain Tour Connection offers complete vacation packages including lodging and tickets for attractions and entertainment ( 1-866-779-6777). Old smoky outfitters offers group or individual guided fishing trips (865-430-1936). Back of Beyond Expeditions has guided overnight or day trips into the back country (865-436-0481).

Horseback Riding

The smoky mountains are one of the best places in the world for horseback riding. If you own a horse you can contact the park headquarters for a packet

on horseback riding in the park. (865-436-1200). You can rent horses from private stables by the day or the hour in and around the park. Check out our horseback riding section for stables that offer riding in the smokies.

Special Events

The park holds a variety of events including old timers day, quilt making show, story telling, and apple butter making. Area communities hold several music festivals throughout the year and old car shows are very popular in the smokies. Our calendar of events section offers more specific details on area news and events.

Wildlife Watching

During the spring, winter, and fall the park is a excellent place to see an abundant variety of wildlife. A large group of bird species can be seen and heard. Wild turkey, white tail deer, and even black bear can be seen moving throughout the park.

Cherokee Indian Reservation

The reservation consists of 56,000 acres and is adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's southern boundary. It contains several attractions to help you learn about the culture and history of the Cherokee people. Cherokee is located on U.S. 441. The visitor center is operated by Cherokee Tribal Travel and Promotion. This is the official promotional arm of the eastern band of the Cherokee nation. For more information call (800-438-1601). The museum of the Cherokee Nation is located on U.S. 441. It contains displays of the history of the Cherokee and exhibits that date back more than 10,000 years. The museum is open daily. For more information call (704-497-3481). To see how the Cherokee lived visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village mid-May through Oct. This model recreates a Cherokee village as it was over 200 years ago. You will see demonstrations of weaving, pottery, and basket making.